In 2023, Bruxelles Environnement received 92 complaints of animal abuse, resulting in 42 seizures and involving a total of 133 animals in the Brussels region. The animals concerned included 54 dogs, 61 cats, 8 birds, 2 rodents, 1 rabbit, 1 equine and 6 spiders.
These seizures are triggered in response to various offenses such as poor hygiene, neglect, underfeeding and unsanitized diseases. Since 2019, the number of seizures has increased by 40%.
Most seizures are the result of complaints lodged by citizens with Brussels Environment’s Animal Welfare department. Last year, 92 complaints were lodged, representing a decrease of 27.5% compared to 2022.
Seized animals are usually temporarily placed in shelters pending a decision on their fate, taken by Brussels Environment within two months of seizure.
Bernard Clerfayt, Brussels Minister for Animal Welfare, stresses the importance of treating cases of animal abuse seriously. His new Brussels Animal Welfare Code, currently being examined by the Council of State, aims to strengthen the prevention and punishment of animal abuse, with fines of up to 500,000 euros for the most serious offenses, compared with 100,000 euros at present.